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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Hank's Roast Beef Sandwiches

Not many are aware, but my husband Hank is actually a really good cook. Its just that he rarely has a chance to shine seeing as how I'm such a kitchen-hog. I think he's accepted that cooking is a passion of mine and politely steps aside and happily eats anything and everything I make for him. Its a win-win.

But now and then I'm exhausted at the end of the day or just plain tired of being in the kitchen (it happens, I blame pregnancy). This month has been particularly uninspired, so I begged Hank to make one of my old favorites, these delicious Roast Beef Sandwiches.

Hank spent a few years as head cook that the Bagel Nosh in Arlington and learned to make a mean sandwich. This one is his adaptation of a classic roast beef with provolone and horseradish spread, its delicious on its own but I insist on the au jus for dipping.

Thinly slice the bell pepper and onion, and saute in a bit of oil. Mince the garlic and add to the pan. Continue to cook until soft and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Melt the butter in the pan and add the roast beef slices, separate the slices and toss them around a bit to brown. Meanwhile lightly toast the sandwich rolls and make the spread.Combine cream cheese and add horseradish to taste, we like it to have a bit of a kick but not so much that its overpowering. Add a little at a time until you get to the right flavor.

Layer the sandwiches, spread the horseradish-cream cheese on both sides, add a slice of provolone, roast beef, and finally the bell pepper mixture. Add an additional slice of provolone over the top if you like. Put these in a warm oven to melt the cheese.

Meanwhile add the beef broth to the pan you cooked the meat in. Scrape the bottom to remove any tasty bits. Season the broth with a bit of pepper and kitchen bouquet. Serve the warm sandwiches with a small bowl of the broth for dipping. Have napkins handy.